Ready for some major skincare tea? You’re predicted to spend upwards of Dhs130,000 (yes, you read that right) during your lifetime on lotions and potions promising perfect skin and a rewind button for time. BUT what if we told you that all those fancy creams and pricey serums you’re eyeing up are often only treating the very top layer of your skin? And – plot twist – that top layer is actually made up of dead cells? Seriously – you could be dropping hundreds of dirhams a pop in your fave beauty megastore, and all those products are doing is chilling on a layer of dead skin. It makes total sense why studies by Dermalex showed we end up binning nearly half of our skincare products because they just don’t tackle our actual skin concerns…
As Mona Mirza, Founder and CEO of Biolite Clinic says, “You can spend thousands on a beautifully packaged cream, but if it’s not clinically formulated, all you’re really buying is surface-level hydration”. Ouch. And definitely not what we want when we’re investing our dirhams.
So, what’s the deal? In a nutshell, “Over the counter or high street skincare simply isn’t formulated to penetrate deeply enough into the skin to trigger any real change,” reveals Dr Mehri Pourkand, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder of Dr Mehri Aesthetics. “They might smell nice and feel luxurious, but when it comes to targeting issues like pigmentation, collagen loss, or acne, they rarely have the right molecular structure or concentration of actives to make a real impact. That’s where clinical skincare comes in. It offers real results and a more dramatic skin transformation”.
Now you know why celebs like Jessica Alba, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hailey Bieber, and basically the entire Kardashian-Jenner Klan are obsessed with medical-grade skincare. It’s their secret weapon because these products are clinical. That means they go deeper into your skin to actually change the way it behaves and functions from within.
We tapped the experts to get the full lowdown on clinical skincare and why it might just be time for you to upgrade your beauty routine. Trust us, your skin – and your bank account in the long run – will be sending you thank you notes.
So, what exactly is clinical (or medical-grade) skincare?
Okay, let’s be real. The term “clinical” can sometimes feel like a marketing buzzword because everyone’s using it now. But when we talk about effective clinical or medical-grade skincare, we mean formulas designed to seriously get to work below the surface. You could call it ‘low pH skincare’ or ‘low molecular skincare’ because the ingredients are formulated to penetrate the skin barrier.
And here’s a key point: it’s medical grade for a reason – meaning you won’t find it sitting on the shelves of your local high-street beauty store. It’s usually available only in a clinic or a Mediclinic. If you can buy it just anywhere in the mall, chances are, it’s NOT truly clinical. That’s the baseline!
Mirza tells us, “Clinical skincare refers to formulations developed through evidence-based dermatological science. These products contain medical-grade active ingredients – such as peptides, retinoids, antioxidants, growth factors, and acids – in concentrations proven to effect real change in the skin’s structure and function.” She adds, “Unlike cosmetic skincare, which largely targets the skin’s surface, clinical formulations are designed to penetrate the epidermis and interact with cellular receptors to stimulate repair, regulate inflammation, or improve tissue regeneration.” Basically, it’s skincare that means business.
Why should you even think about switching?
Unfortunately, those lovely-smelling creams you find everywhere just can’t do that job. Sure, if your outer layer is dry as the desert, a nice cream will make it feel soft temporarily. But it won’t change the underlying functionality of your skin. That deeper level still needs tackling, and only clinical products have the formulation to do it.
Dr Pourkand explains, “Clinical skincare can benefit everyone. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dullness, fine lines, or simply want to maintain healthy, glowing skin, a tailored clinical routine can make a real difference. It’s all about finding the right formulations for your skin type and concerns. You don’t need to have “problem skin” to use clinical skincare – in fact, many people use it as a preventative measure to future-proof their skin. Think of it as investing in the long-term health of your skin, much like you would with a good diet or regular exercise for your body.” Consider it skincare with a purpose – focusing on long-term skin health and visible improvements, not just temporary comfort.
Okay, but it sounds intense and harsh – is it scary?!
Totally fair to think that, but honestly, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Don’t let the word “clinical” freak you out. In many ways, these products are actually more safe because they’ve been put through rigorous testing.
You know how a lot of brands rave about clinical trials on a single ingredient? With clinical skincare companies, they often test the entire formulation as well as individual ingredients. That means you have much more certainty about how the product will actually perform and its safety profile compared to many high-street products where you don’t know all the parameters. Therefore they’re often safer, way more effective, and they actually work, which ultimately saves you money because you’re not wasting money on stacks of products that don’t do anything in the long run.
“It’s a fair concern, but it usually comes down to misunderstanding the category,” agrees Orsi Matheisz, Advanced Aesthetic Practitioner and Founder of Orskin Aesthetics. “Clinical skincare has come a long way, it’s not all aggressive peels and prescription-only retinoids. Many of the newer formulations are actually quite gentle, thanks to advances in delivery systems and ingredient pairing. It’s about using potent ingredients in smart combinations to create visible change, not to shock your skin into submission.”
We’re so used to being told to buy, buy, buy, always wondering “what new product do I need next?”. But when you find your perfect routine with clinical skincare, you often don’t need anything else! It keeps working without hitting a plateau. So, ready to save money and switch to products that deliver actual results?
Get ready to explore these top 5 clinical skincare brands…
Obagi
While your Instagram feed is flooded with trendy serums, dermatologists have been quietly prescribing Obagi for 35 years – and for good reason. This number doctor-recommended brand delivers actual prescription-strength results (we’re talking their legendary 20% vitamin C serum that erases dark spots and their medical-grade retinol that smooths wrinkles without the irritation). Unlike over-the-counter products that just sit on your skin, Obagi’s clinically-proven formulas penetrate deep to transform pigmentation, firmness, and texture at the cellular level. This is the glow-up that lasts.
OBAGI PROFESSIONAL-C SERUM 20%, Dhs,651, binsina.ae
By Biolite
By Biolite is the medical-grade, vegan powerhouse you need on your radar, formulated using game-changing nano-molecular technology. Think clean ingredients meets serious science: these products are plant-derived, paraben-free, cruelty-free, water-based, and totally non-reactive. They even pair perfectly with in-clinic treatments for next-level skin transformation. As Mirza explains, “By Biolite was created to go deeper. With nano-molecular technology and medical-grade actives, our products don’t just sit on your skin – they transform it from within. True transformation happens below the surface.”
BY BIOLITE AQUA FLUID, Dhs, 278. Bybiolite.store
Exuviance
Exuviance discovered some of the most iconic ingredients in the skincare world (hello, glycolic acid) and are major innovators in clinical skincare. With over 100 patents and publications backing them up, their performance-based products blend serious science with that luxe, spa-inspired feeling for a skincare experience that’s truly next level. What’s their secret? They spill: “We use clinical grade ingredients, precisely blended at the optimal pH to deliver maximum efficacy while minimising the potential for irritation. That’s why exuviation is beautiful, our formulas shed surface skin cells to reveal fresh skin while helping to renew skin for visible results.” Sold.
EXUVIANCE WRINKLE SMOOTH TOPICAL PEPTIDE FACE SERUM, Dhs,473, binsina.ae
NeoStrata
This brand does exactly what its name means – “new layers” – by delivering potent skincare packed with super-strength concentrations of clinically proven ingredients. Think formulas with a low pH that go deep into skin, targeting the inner layers and building blocks of the skin’s matrix where real transformation happens. The result? Long-term, highly effective results you’d totally expect from a leading clinical skincare brand. Fun fact: NeoStrata basically discovered the major beauty benefits of AHAs way back in 1974, cementing their status as pioneers. And they haven’t stopped there – they’re still investing in cutting-edge scientific research to create some of the most powerful products we’ve ever tried.
NEOSTRATA CLARIFY EXFOLIATING MASK OVERNIGHT TREATMENT, Dhs,230, lifepharamcy.com
Clinical Active Serum
When it comes to the skincare brands that celebrities are obsessed with, iS Clinical tops the list. We’re talking major fans like Dove Cameron, Shay Mitchell, and Sophie Turner. Still not convinced? How about the fact that they pack their results-driven ‘active level’ formulas with a wild 95-95 percent botanically derived ingredients to actually transform skin from deep within? Their philosophy is simple and effective, built around four key steps: Cleanse, Treat, Hydrate, and Protect. So, instead of piling on endless products that just end up sitting on top of your skin, you can switch to just four focused heroes from and prepare to watch as your skin actually changes, for the better.
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